After Much Consideration, I am Pushing All My Support toward. . .Advent Conspiracy

So, I know that many of you have heard of Advent Conspiracy, but I would guess that some of you have not. Advent Conspiracy is a movement amongst churches in the U.S. to enter into the true Christmas story instead of getting caught in the consumerism and commercialism that dominates Christmas in our culture. The concept is simple:
1. Worship Fully. Put the focus on Jesus, instead of on presents, decorations, and the normal Christmas stress.
2. Spend Less. Reject the consumerism. When it comes down to it, most presents that we give to one another do not have lasting impact on God's kingdom. So, don't get caught in it.
3. Give More. Give relationally instead of simply financially. Find creative (and inexpensive) ways to give of yourself, just as Jesus did.
4. Love All. Give what would have been spent on gifts to those who are most needy and marginalized. This could include both people overseas and people in the local community.
2 Corinthians 8:9 says this:
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He came poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

This is the Christmas story. Christ was rich, but He became poor for our sakes. We are invited to enter into this story.
Karina and I are excited to more intentionally enter into this story this year with our family and our church. We are excited to be stretched and challenged. We are excited about being more purposeful in doing Christmas in such a way that it reflects the true Christmas story to Matt and Jack. And we are excited to spend less so that we can give to those who are truly in need. So that we can follow Christ so that we could become poor, so that others through our poverty might become rich.

Check out www.adventconspiracy.org if you are interested in info on Advent Conspiracy. There are great videos and resources there.